0:00 / 0:00
Episode 568: Tesla CEO Teases Upcoming FSD Improvements

Episode 568: Tesla CEO Teases Upcoming FSD Improvements

0:00
0:00

About this episode

Elon Musk’s FSD tease kicks things off, with hosts zeroing in on parking—why “Destination parking is by far the biggest reason people now intervene with FSD” and how improved destination parking could reduce driver takeovers. The conversation then pivots to Apple CarPlay rumors, including why it was delayed and when it might arrive in a holiday software update. Later, the show broadens to Tesla’s Cyber Cab details from EPA documents, plus autonomy and EV news from Rivian, BMW, and Porsche.

Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Term

carplay

"A new report claims that Apple is in the process of developing what would be the missing [99.5s] link for Tesla to get carplay. Apple and Tesla have been reportedly working together for some time [117.6s] to give Tesla owners the opportunity to utilize carplay within their vehicles."

CarPlay is Apple’s way of showing your iPhone apps on a car screen. It lets you use things like maps and music through the car’s interface.

Term

route sharing

"With the addition [150.4s] of a feature known as route sharing, which gives a navigation app the ability to share"

Route sharing is a navigation feature that lets a navigation app share a route with another device or app, so the destination and guidance can be coordinated. In this context, it’s described as part of a CarPlay-related “bridge” between Tesla and Apple.

Term

destination parking

"Destination parking is by far the biggest reason people now intervene with FSD. Critical safety interventions are extremely rare."

Destination parking means telling the car where you want to park—like a specific spot at home or work—so it can handle the approach and parking steps. The host says this is where people most often have to take over.

Concept

parking preferences

"The person posted, parking preferences so that the car goes to the right location at your home, office, school drop off, etc... meaning if you want to back into your garage because of your charge ports on one side"

Parking preferences are choices you set so the car parks the way you want. In this case, it includes things like backing into the garage so your charging setup works out.

Concept

disengage FSD

"That in fact, the most common reason to disengage FSD is for parking purposes. One of the buttons that's on the annoying pop-up when you disengage that you can't get rid of until you touch something or say something is in fact parking."

Disengage FSD means you stop the car’s automated driving/parking and take control yourself. In this story, the host says they do it mostly for parking situations.

Concept

AI team

"his statement is based on factual data from the Tesla AI team. That in fact, the most common reason to disengage FSD is for parking purposes."

The AI team is the group at Tesla that builds and trains the software that helps the car drive itself. The host is saying their data supports what Musk is teasing.

Term

charge ports

"meaning if you want to back into your garage because of your charge ports on one side, that soon it's going to be able to do that"

Charge ports are where you plug the EV in to charge it. The host says where the port is located can affect how you want the car to park.

Place

San Francisco

"FSD can now drive all over the very strange streets of San Francisco pretty darn well... it's definitely probably in the upper quadrant of difficult cities to drive a car in, let alone self-drive a car in"

San Francisco is presented as a tough place to drive because the streets and traffic can be complicated. The speaker uses it to show how well the self-driving system handles real-world chaos.

Term

version 12

"up until, really I would say version 12 is when it started to actually get good enough to navigate around San Francisco"

“Version 12” is a particular update of Tesla’s self-driving software. The speaker says this is when it started feeling truly capable in real city driving.

Term

version 14.3.4

"and now with version 14.3.4 in fact, that's the one I got that this week, I think a lot of us got that one this week. It is just, it is buttery smooth throughout San Francisco"

“Version 14.3.4” is a specific Tesla FSD software update. The speaker says it feels smoother and handles San Francisco better than earlier versions.

Brand

Waymo

"It's probably why Waymo started here, right? Because if you can make Waymo work in San Francisco, it's going to be a lot easier in a lot of other cities"

Waymo is a company that builds self-driving technology. The speaker is saying San Francisco is so challenging that it’s a good test—if it can handle that, it should do better elsewhere.

Brand

X

"he responded to another FSD-related post on X, and this one was from a woman named Kristen Hendricks"

X is a social media site. The speaker is referencing posts there as the place where the FSD teaser came from.

Term

grok

"Tesla FSD is magic. Need to be able to converse with grok like we can with an Uber driver. For instance, hey grok, turn right here."

“Grok” here means an AI assistant. The idea is that you could talk to it like a person and give simple instructions, and it would help coordinate what the car does next.

Brand

Uber

"Need to be able to converse with grok like we can with an Uber driver. For instance, hey grok, turn right here."

Uber is a rideshare service. The comparison is saying the car should understand you and respond to requests the way you’d talk to a driver during a ride.

Term

version 15

"Now, whether that means it's going to be part of [702.8s] version 15, or maybe just another major point release of version 14, whether that's 14.4, [710.8s] maybe a 14.5, remains to be seen."

Version 15 is the next big software update number for the car. The host is wondering whether the new feature will show up in that big update or in a smaller update first.

Term

banish feature

"But part of what she's describing and what Elon is acknowledging there is the banish feature, [774.2s] which has been discussed before. That is where your car drops you off at the entrance to your [781.3s] destination, like say, if you're going to the movies, drops you off at the, at the front entrance,"

The “banish feature” is when your Tesla drops you off near where you’re going, then drives away to park by itself. When you’re done, you can call it back to pick you up.

Term

smart summon

"until you're ready to be picked up by the car again, until you summon it, until you actually [800.3s] smart summon it again when you're, when you're done with your movies. So if that's really coming [806.8s] in three months or, you know, even six,"

Smart summon is a Tesla feature that helps the car drive itself to where you want to be picked up. It’s more advanced than basic summon, and it’s mentioned here as the way you get the car back after it parks.

Term

full self-driving

"Now, before I move on from this topic, speaking of full self-driving, it is [834.7s] June 19th as I record this, so I must ask, as the calendar says June 19th as I'm recording this,"

Full self-driving is Tesla’s software that tries to do more of the driving for you. It gets improved through updates, but you usually still have to pay attention and be ready to take over.

Term

version 14 light

"are those of us with hardware three cars going to be getting version 14 light by the time I record [852.7s] next week's podcast, or maybe at worst two podcasts from now?"

“Version 14 light” sounds like a smaller or limited version of the Version 14 software update. The host is checking whether certain cars will receive that update by a specific date.

Topic

earnings call

"So I wonder if the Tesla AI team is still tracking towards that. History says not to hold your breath... I think there's a good chance we'll get it by July 22nd if it doesn't land by the end of this month. And the reason that I say July 22nd specifically is because that is when the Q2 earnings call should be happening."

An earnings call is when a company talks to investors about how it did this quarter. Tesla sometimes uses it to announce updates, including software progress.

Car

Tesla's cyber cab

"Next up in Tesla news this week, we have new information about Tesla's cyber cab. It's been revealed in publicly filed EPA documents... The battery capacity is approximately 48 kilowatt hours, which would make it the smallest"

The Tesla Cyber Cab is Tesla’s planned small EV, likely aimed at ride-hailing. In this segment, they mention it would use front-wheel drive and have a relatively small battery (around 48 kWh), which suggests it’s built for efficiency and city use.

Term

front wheel drive

"And here's what we learned from EPA documents about the cyber cab. It is a front wheel drive car, more on that in a minute."

Front-wheel drive means the front wheels do the work of both steering and moving the car. That can make the car feel different in turns, especially when the road is wet or icy.

Term

battery capacity

"The battery capacity is approximately 48 kilowatt hours, which would make it the smallest"

Battery capacity tells you how much energy the EV can store. More capacity usually means you can drive farther before needing to recharge, but it’s not the only factor.

Term

kilowatt hours

"The battery capacity is approximately 48 kilowatt hours, which would make it the smallest"

Kilowatt-hours (kWh) is the unit used to describe how much energy is in an EV battery. Think of it like the size of the battery’s “fuel tank” for electricity.

Term

curb weight

"The horsepower, 219 horsepower. The curb weight, 3113 pounds. The motor power, capable of outputting"

Curb weight is basically how heavy the car is when it’s ready to drive, without people or extra stuff in it. A heavier car usually uses more energy, which can reduce range.

Term

horsepower

"The horsepower, 219 horsepower. The curb weight, 3113 pounds. The motor power, capable of outputting"

Horsepower is a way to describe how much power the motor can produce. More horsepower generally means the car can accelerate more strongly, though weight and efficiency also matter.

Term

kilowatts

"the motor power, capable of outputting 163 kilowatts and the voltage 326 volts."

Kilowatts are another way to measure motor power, commonly used for electric cars. It’s basically the “power rating” of the electric motor.

Term

voltage

"the motor power, capable of outputting 163 kilowatts and the voltage 326 volts."

Voltage is the electrical “pressure” in the car’s battery system. It influences how the car moves energy around to run the motor.

Term

equivalent all electric range

"The equivalent all electric range, Sawyer notes, is listed at 418 miles. Hang on, don't get too excited."

This is a standardized way of talking about how far the vehicle can go using electricity. The host then points out that the official EPA number is usually lower than the optimistic equivalent figure.

Term

EPA range

"With 375 miles of highway range, but as Sawyer kindly notes, the final EPA range is usually a good bit lower than that."

EPA range is the official, standardized estimate of how many miles an EV can go on one charge. Your real highway range can be lower because conditions like speed and weather change how efficiently the car uses energy.

Car

DeLorean

"the original Roadster clocks in at about 2700 pounds, which, funny enough, from my own personal history, that's about the same weight as my old DeLorean was."

The host compares the Roadster’s weight to their old DeLorean. They’re using it to explain that the DeLorean’s stainless-steel look doesn’t necessarily mean it’s heavier than people assume.

Car

Tesla Cybercab

"...r weighed about the same as the DeLorean, and the Cybercab is beefier than both of them, even though it's a ..."

The Tesla Cybercab is a Tesla vehicle concept that’s being talked about as something new. In the podcast, the speaker compares its weight to other cars to describe how big or heavy it might be. It’s mentioned as part of Tesla’s future plans.

Car

Tesla Roadster

"the original Roadster weighed about the same as the DeLorean... Most of the weight was... coming from the battery pack itself... in the original Roadster, the pack is mounted directly behind the passenger compartment, effectively making the original Roadster like a mid-engined sports car."

The original Tesla Roadster is an early Tesla EV. They’re pointing out that its battery sits behind the seats, which helps the car feel more like a mid-engine sports car in how it balances weight.

Term

kilowatt hour battery pack

"But yeah, 48 kilowatt hour battery pack. So even still, with all that taken into account, 400 pounds or so heavier than the original Roadster was."

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack is how much energy the battery can store. Bigger kWh usually means more potential range, but it also tends to add weight.

Car

Tesla Model S

"...adster wasn't a skateboard. That didn't come till Model S, and now every Tesla since has been a skateboard,..."

The Tesla Model S is a Tesla electric car in the sedan category. The podcast mentions it because it introduced a design where the battery and key components are laid out in a way that makes the car’s interior and structure efficient. That approach then influenced later Teslas.

Term

0-60 time

"If you are curious how the 219 horsepower compares to other cars, I would be curious what the 0-60 time is on the Cybercab... what's the 0-60 time? But anyway, my guess would be like 6-7"

0-60 time is how long it takes the car to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour. Lower numbers mean faster acceleration, and it depends on power and traction.

Term

steer by wire

"I suppose the Tesla engineers who are out driving them around now, via the Cybertruck, steer by wire squircles that are hooked up to those engineering Cybercabs, they could test it out."

Steer-by-wire means the steering wheel doesn’t directly connect to the wheels with rods or cables. Instead, sensors and computers control the steering, which can make it easier to tune how the car drives.

Term

robotaxi fleet

"once it's out and about giving rides in the robotaxi fleet. We're never going to get to see one accelerate as hard as it possibly can."

A robotaxi fleet is a bunch of self-driving cars used for ride-hailing. The point here is that public rides may be more conservative than what engineers can test in private.

Person

Lars Moravy

"If I had to guess, and if I ever have the privilege of having Lars Moravy, the chief engineer at Tesla, back on the show, I'm going to have to ask him this."

Lars Moravy is a top Tesla engineer. The host wants to ask him what the Cybercab’s 0-60 time is, since he’s involved with the engineering and testing.

Concept

unsupervised rides

"...unsupervised rides to the public as of yet, so that's where I would lean towards no..."

“Unsupervised rides” means the car is driving itself and no human is watching it like a backup driver. The host says that’s the point where it should count as actually launched.

Term

autonomous push

"Tesla is meeting resistance to their autonomous push in my birthstate of New Jersey..."

An “autonomous push” just means a big push to get self-driving cars on the road. The host is saying Tesla is running into legal/political obstacles in New Jersey.

Place

New Jersey

"Tesla is meeting resistance to their autonomous push in my birthstate of New Jersey... propose legislation moving through Trenton right now would impose restrictions so severe that true driverless deployment would remain illegal."

New Jersey is the U.S. state where Tesla’s self-driving plans are running into trouble. The host says proposed state rules could make fully driverless rides illegal.

Place

Trenton

"propose legislation moving through Trenton right now would impose restrictions so severe that true driverless deployment would remain illegal."

Trenton is where New Jersey’s state government operates. The host is saying lawmakers there are considering rules that could restrict self-driving cars.

Term

superchargers

"remember, a couple years ago, New Jersey made Tesla rip out superchargers along the Garden State Parkway because they'd signed a deal with a third party charging company..."

Superchargers are Tesla’s fast public EV chargers. They’re meant to get you back on the road quickly, especially for longer trips.

Place

Garden State Parkway

"remember, a couple years ago, New Jersey made Tesla rip out superchargers along the Garden State Parkway because they'd signed a deal with a third party charging company..."

The Garden State Parkway is a major highway in New Jersey. The transcript uses it as the specific corridor where Tesla was required to remove some Superchargers, highlighting how state policy can affect charging access on key travel routes.

Term

NACS, the North American Charging Standard

"So anyway, the point here is if you're in New Jersey, you probably already got the email from Tesla... Tesla was already there on the Parkway and NACS, the North American Charging Standard, was already the standard when the New Jersey state government made that move."

NACS is the plug/charging standard Tesla uses for fast charging. If your car and the charger both use NACS, you can plug in without adapters and charge more easily.

Term

robotaxi network

"but they're talking specifically about unsupervised full self-driving, meaning the robotaxi network once it were ready to deploy in New Jersey..."

A robotaxi network is a bunch of self-driving cars that you can summon like a taxi. The key idea is that there isn’t a human driver in the car.

Term

traffic aware cruise control

"...bottom of the line, base model gas powered car, that would maybe have traffic aware cruise control at the most."

Traffic-aware cruise control is cruise control that can slow down and speed back up based on cars in front of you. It’s more limited than FSD because it doesn’t really handle the whole driving task.

Car

Lucid Air

"...new Model Y performance, a Model 3 performance, a Lucid Air, maybe a Cadillac Lyric. How about 50 grand in ca..."

The Lucid Air is an electric car in the luxury sedan category. The podcast brings it up as one of the EVs people might compare when shopping. It’s included because it’s designed to feel upscale and drive well.

Car

Cadillac Lyric

"...odel 3 performance, a Lucid Air, maybe a Cadillac Lyric. How about 50 grand in cash if that even sounds p..."

The Cadillac Lyriq is an electric SUV from Cadillac. The podcast mentions it as one of several electric cars people might compare when deciding what to buy. It’s included because it’s aimed at the luxury side of the EV market.

Company

NetSuite by Oracle

"This week's episode of Ride the Lightning is brought to you in part by NetSuite by Oracle."

NetSuite by Oracle is a cloud software service businesses use to manage things like finances and operations. It’s mentioned here as the sponsor, not as something related to EVs directly.

Term

battery technology

"Before buying an EV, these folks research charging, battery technology, software, range, road trips, ownership costs, they plan ahead."

Battery technology is what kind of battery an EV uses and how it’s built and controlled. It matters because it affects how far the car can go, how fast it charges, and how well the battery holds up as the years pass.

Term

software

"Before buying an EV, these folks research charging, battery technology, software, range, road trips, ownership costs, they plan ahead."

For EVs, software is the car’s computer programs that control things like battery charging and driving features. Updates can improve the experience over time, not just the hardware.

Brand

X-Care

"And that's exactly why so many Tesla and Rivian owners take a look at X-Care before they ever need it. Not because something's wrong, but because preparation is part of smart ownership."

X-Care is a service product for EV owners. The idea is to help you stay prepared and covered so you can enjoy your EV for years.

Car

Tesla Cybertruck

"Whether you're driving a Model Y, Cybertruck, R1-T, R1-S, or something else entirely, X-Care was built specifically for EV owners who plan to enjoy their vehicles for years to come."

The Tesla Cybertruck is Tesla’s electric pickup truck. It’s famous for its unusual look and for being an EV, so owners often talk about charging and range planning.

Car

R1-T

"Whether you're driving a Model Y, Cybertruck, R1-T, R1-S, or something else entirely, X-Care was built specifically for EV owners who plan to enjoy their vehicles for years to come."

R1-T is Rivian’s electric pickup truck. Like other EVs, it’s usually discussed in terms of charging and how far you can go on a trip.

Car

R1-S

"Whether you're driving a Model Y, Cybertruck, R1-T, R1-S, or something else entirely, X-Care was built specifically for EV owners who plan to enjoy their vehicles for years to come."

R1-S is Rivian’s electric SUV. People who own it usually think about how to charge it and how far it can go on trips.

Car

BMW Neue Classe M3

"In other EV news this week, BMW revealed the concept for its new Neue Classe M3, which will interestingly come in both an EV and a gas-powered version, no hybrid."

BMW is showing a concept for a future “M3” that will exist as both an electric car and a gas car. The big point is that BMW M is trying to make the electric version feel like a real performance car, not just a slower alternative.

Car

Bmw M

"...'s own website and on their blog, they wrote, the BMW M concept Neue Classe debuts the new design languag..."

The BMW M Coupe (E36) is a sporty BMW coupe from the E36 generation. The podcast mentions it as part of a discussion that connects BMW’s past performance cars to what’s coming next. It’s basically a reference to an older BMW model with an M performance focus.

Car

Neue Class Neue

"we are presenting the most expressive interpretation of Neue Classe design. Said Oliver Heilmer, head of design at BMW Compact class, Neue Classe NBMWM, he continues saying genuine aerodynamics and functional design that is even more than aesthetics,"

Neue Klasse is BMW’s plan for what their next generation of cars will be like. The podcast says it will focus on design and better airflow (aerodynamics), which can help efficiency. It’s mentioned because it’s a roadmap for future BMW vehicles.

Car

3 Bmw Compact

"...se design. Said Oliver Heilmer, head of design at BMW Compact class, Neue Classe NBMWM, he continues saying gen..."

The “3 Series Compact” refers to a smaller version of BMW’s 3 Series lineup. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as part of BMW’s Neue Klasse plan, meaning the same new design ideas would apply to that smaller car. It’s basically about what BMW might build next in the compact segment.

Topic

electric M3

"As for the battery-powered version, well, BMW says it'll be a hoot. Quote, with the electric M3, we move to the next level of vehicle dynamics."

They’re talking about an electric version of an M3 and saying it should be a better track car than the gas one. The episode is basically teasing what BMW is promising, even though the full specs aren’t out yet.

Term

vehicle dynamics

"We actually started development with the vehicle dynamics as our main target, so the EV won't just be the quicker car in a straight line, it'll be faster around a track too."

Vehicle dynamics is basically how the car drives and handles—how it grips, turns, and stays stable when you push it. Here, BMW is saying they tuned the electric car to be fun and capable on a track, not only fast in a straight line.

Term

torque split

"The technology provided to us by Neue Classe means we can have the range, power, and torque split to create something quite extreme."

Torque split is how the car decides how much pulling force to send to different wheels. By changing that distribution, the car can improve traction and handling—especially when cornering or accelerating hard.

Car

BMW M3 concept

"wondering, wait a minute, they absolutely called it an M3, it's an M3 concept. And this isn't necessarily the thing that's going into production, but anyway, BMW blog continues saying,"

BMW’s M3 is a high-performance BMW. In this episode they’re talking about an M3 concept, which is like a preview car that may not be exactly what you’ll be able to buy.

Term

four electric motors

"the concept uses four electric motors powered by an M-specific battery pack with more than 100 kilowatt hours of usable energy."

Instead of one electric motor doing all the work, this concept uses four. More motors can help the car control grip and power more precisely, especially when accelerating or cornering.

Term

concept car

"Well, I watched a couple of videos on this car, or at least the concept car, and I read up on it, and I have personally, I'll say, I've not been a fan of BMW's recent design language."

A concept car is basically a preview vehicle. It can show what a company is thinking, but the final production car may look or work differently.

Car

Tesla S

"You take any of the concept or prototype Tesla's from the S to the X, the three, the three was almost exactly the same car."

The Tesla Model S is one of Tesla’s main EVs. The host brings it up to say Tesla tends to build cars that are very similar to what they show in prototypes.

Tesla X
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Tesla X

"You take any of the concept or prototype Tesla's from the S to the X, the three, the three was almost exactly the same car."

The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV. They mention it to argue that Tesla usually makes the production car look and feel like the one they show first.

Term

alphas

"Cybertruck, Cybertabs, I mean, Cybertab, we didn't even really get a concept. We got a whole fleet of alphas at the unveil for that."

Here, “alphas” means early test versions of the vehicle. They’re not the final product you’d buy, but they help the company validate the design and technology.

Term

kidney grille

"They fixed the whole front end, like weird giant kidney grille thing that they were doing. Or I should say, they weren't even kidneys anymore. They were lungs on the front of the BMWs in recent years."

BMW is known for its distinctive front grille shape, often called the “kidney grille.” The host thinks BMW has been making it too big or too weird-looking on newer cars.

Term

Neue Klasse

"By the way, I remember enough of my high school German, Neue Klasse does mean new class. So it's like, save by the bell, Neue Klasse. That is the new class. That is the literal translation of that one."

“Neue Klasse” literally means “new class.” In this context, it’s BMW’s label for a new direction for future cars—like a new generation of how they’re designed and built.

Car

Pontiac Firebird

"...ge of BMW. Mike Suttick saying, looks like my 80s firebird. And you know what, Mike, now that you say it, I ..."

The Pontiac Firebird is an older American sports car known for a muscle-car style. The podcast mentions it because someone thinks a vehicle looks like an 1980s Firebird. It’s mainly a visual comparison.

Term

eyes off

"introduce hands free driving by the end of the year followed by an eyes off autonomous driving ... However, Scarridge now says Rivian's point to point driving system similar to Tesla's FSD will arrive later this year while eyes off capability is now expected in 2027."

“Eyes off” means the car can do more of the driving without the driver having to keep their eyes on the road all the time. It’s usually considered a bigger leap than just taking your hands off the wheel.

Term

hands free driving

"introduce hands free driving by the end of the year followed by an eyes off autonomous driving system this year, 2026."

“Hands free driving” means you don’t have to keep your hands on the wheel because the car is steering for you. You still usually have to pay attention and be ready to take over.

Term

point to point driving

"Scarridge now says Rivian's point to point driving system similar to Tesla's FSD will arrive later this year ... The system is expected to handle complete trips while still requiring driver supervision similar to how Tesla's FSD operates today."

Point-to-point driving means you set where you want to go, and the car tries to drive you there. The “supervised” part means it still expects the driver to watch and take over if something goes wrong.

Concept

robot taxi services

"Scarridge also discussed Rivian's longer term ambitions for fully driverless vehicles and robot taxi services."

Robot taxi services are like ride-hailing, but the car drives itself. The episode links it to the goal of having no driver inside the car.

Car

Rivian R1T

"That will roll out to all of our Gen 2 vehicles and of course R2. ... Rivian plans to deploy the capability to its Gen 2 R1T and R1S vehicles and the new R2 leaving Gen 1 R1T and R1S owners out in the cold."

The Rivian R1T is Rivian’s electric pickup. In this episode, they’re talking about which R1T versions will get the newer self-driving features, and that the Gen 2 cars are the ones targeted first.

Car

Rivian R1S

"Rivian plans to deploy the capability to its Gen 2 R1T and R1S vehicles and the new R2 leaving Gen 1 R1T and R1S owners out in the cold."

The Rivian R1S is Rivian’s electric SUV. The episode is explaining which generation of R1S gets the newer self-driving features first.

Concept

fully driverless operation

"While Rivian's immediate focus is on consumer vehicles, Scarridge made it clear that the company is ultimately working toward fully driverless operation."

“Fully driverless” means the car can drive by itself with no person inside. The big reason people care is that it could enable services like robot taxis.

Concept

first movers

"Maybe get there faster without having to navigate through the figurative minefield that Tesla's had to tiptoe through since Tesla, of course, has been the first movers in this space, at least certainly with regard to consumer vehicles."

“First movers” means the early companies that try a new technology before everyone else. The host is saying Tesla went first in consumer EV autonomy, so others may be able to learn from that and move faster.

Concept

controlled experiment

"I'm not completely ignoring Waymo, but Waymo is, you could consider Waymo like a, a very controlled experiment by comparison to what Tesla's doing with FSD and what Rivian wants to do with its autonomy plus package."

The host is using “controlled experiment” to mean a self-driving program that’s run in a more controlled, limited way. That makes it easier to judge how well it works compared with self-driving software in everyday consumer cars.

Term

autonomy plus package

"getting back to Rivian, because Rivian hasn't really delivered anything as of yet, I wonder if I would pay $2,500 for that lifetime autonomy plus package if I were buying an R1 today or an R2 once they get the lidar pre-installed in them. I mean, I obviously, you all know that I bought FSD outright on both of our Teslas"

Rivian’s “autonomy plus package” is an add-on you pay for that’s meant to enable more advanced self-driving features later. The host is basically saying it’s a gamble because Rivian hasn’t proven the results yet.

Car

Rivian R1

"getting back to Rivian, because Rivian hasn't really delivered anything as of yet, I wonder if I would pay $2,500 for that lifetime autonomy plus package if I were buying an R1 today or an R2 once they get the lidar pre-installed in them."

Rivian R1 is one of Rivian’s main electric vehicles. Here, the hosts are talking about whether it’s worth paying extra for Rivian’s future self-driving features on that vehicle.

Rivian R2
Official manufacturer press image
Car

Rivian R2

"I wonder if I would pay $2,500 for that lifetime autonomy plus package if I were buying an R1 today or an R2 once they get the lidar pre-installed in them."

Rivian R2 is Rivian’s next EV the host is considering. They’re specifically talking about paying for self-driving features and how having lidar installed could make that package more valuable.

Term

lidar

"I wonder if I would pay $2,500 for that lifetime autonomy plus package if I were buying an R1 today or an R2 once they get the lidar pre-installed in them."

Lidar is a sensor that uses lasers to “see” the world in 3D by measuring how far away things are. The host is saying that if Rivian puts lidar in the car from the start, it could make the self-driving features more credible and worth paying for.

Term

version 13

"either version 12 was already in or for sure version 12 and maybe even version 13 had come out right about the same time, but anyway, what I'm saying here is I'm not sure that I would necessarily recommend to other people that they buy the $2,500 autonomy plus package on their Rivian"

“Version 13” is another software update label from Tesla. The host is using it to show that FSD capability depends on which software generation your car is running.

Term

point-to-point supervised FSD

"Like, I'm eager to see what their system can do once they deploy that point-to-point supervised FSD later this year, and then once they do that, obviously I don't have a Rivian"

This is an advanced driving feature that can guide the car along a route from start to finish. It still needs the driver to stay alert and take over if the system can’t handle something.

Car

Porsche Taycan

"And finally this week, the last bit of news, it's from Porsche and they are giving the Taycan, one of its most significant updates yet for the 2027 model year"

The Porsche Taycan is Porsche’s electric sports car. Here, they’re talking about big updates for the 2027 model year to make it more appealing—like a bigger battery, better charging, and improved software.

Term

infotainment

"The updates include a larger battery across the entire lineup, improved charging capabilities, a revamped infotainment system, and fake gear shifts."

Infotainment is the car’s main screen and software for things like music and navigation. A “revamp” usually means the interface and features are being updated or redesigned.

Term

eShift

"The feature is called eShift, an optional system across the Taycan lineup and standard on the Taycan Turbo GT that attempts to simulate gear changes"

eShift is a Taycan feature that tries to make the car feel like it’s shifting gears, even though it’s electric. It adds simulated shift moments, sounds, and engine-speed changes to make driving feel more exciting.

Car

Taycan Turbo GT

"The feature is called eShift, an optional system across the Taycan lineup and standard on the Taycan Turbo GT that attempts to simulate gear changes"

The Taycan Turbo GT is the more extreme, performance-focused version of the Taycan. Here, Porsche notes that eShift (the simulated gear-change feature) comes standard on this model.

Term

simulated gears

"paddles mounted behind the steering wheel allow shifts through eight simulated gears. Porsche says the system recreates characteristics"

Because EVs don’t shift like gas cars, Porsche uses software to imitate the feeling of shifting. It’s meant to make the driving experience feel more familiar, even though the car is still electric.

Term

virtual rev limiter

"Porsche says the system recreates characteristics such as engine braking effects, a virtual rev limiter, shift lights, and noticeable shift sensations."

A rev limiter is what stops an engine from spinning too fast. Here, it’s “virtual,” meaning the EV uses software to mimic that behavior for the fake engine feel.

Term

DC fast charging

"increases maximum DC fast charging capability to 320 kW when connected to compatible 800 volt chargers."

DC fast charging is the “quick charge” method for EVs. It uses high-power direct current so you can add a lot of range in less time than normal home charging.

Term

800 volt chargers

"increases maximum DC fast charging capability to 320 kW when connected to compatible 800 volt chargers."

800-volt chargers are a faster-charging type of EV charger. They use higher voltage so the car can accept more power, which can mean quicker charging—if the car supports it.

Term

AI-powered voice assistant

"and a more advanced AI-powered voice assistant capable of handling follow-up questions without repeatedly saying, hey Porsche,"

This is the car’s voice system, but powered by AI so it can understand you better. The improvement mentioned is that you can ask a follow-up question without having to keep saying the wake word.

Term

paddles and fake gear shifts

"But I'll bet that a sizable chunk of those new 2027 model year Taycan buyers will have stopped using the paddles and fake gear shifts at some point in their first year of ownership."

Some electric cars let you use steering-wheel paddles to imitate shifting gears, even though there’s no real gearbox. The host thinks owners will eventually stop using that and just drive normally.

Concept

embracing electrification

"I very much applaud Porsche for staying in the EV game when many of their legacy automaker counterparts are bailing out. Porsche is on my short list of legacy automakers who, who get a gold star for embracing electrification."

The host is talking about which car companies are really committing to making electric cars. They’re saying Porsche is doing it more seriously than some other traditional brands.

Car

Porsche Cayenne EV

"Then they, they just released the new Cayenne EV, which is a beast, and they've got a McCann EV as well."

The Porsche Cayenne EV refers to Porsche’s electric version of the Cayenne, the brand’s high-volume SUV line. The host calls it a “beast,” positioning it as part of Porsche’s broader push into electrification alongside the Taycan.

Topic

FSD improvements via parking-to-door workflow

"it was starting to rain and I thought wouldn't it be great if the FSD would just take me to the door and then go park itself... Now, the good news... smart summon recently got a very noticeable upgrade that's"

The discussion is about a new idea for Tesla’s self-driving features: have the car take you right to the entrance, then park itself. The host says a related feature already exists and that Summon recently got improved.

Term

silent satellite view

"And it gives you a silent satellite view of where your car is and what cars are around it. So if a car is coming down the lane you can see it."

This phrase refers to the app showing your car from above (like a map/satellite view). The goal is to help you see what’s around the car while it’s moving, especially if cars are nearby.

Concept

inactive development

"We heard from Elon it's apparently coming in about three months. So again, whether that's three months or maybe a little longer, but it is inactive development and it is on our way to our cars soon."

“Inactive development” here implies the software feature is in a paused or limited state of active work, but still progressing toward release. The host frames it as something Tesla is working on that should reach cars soon, with a timeline of roughly a few months.

Term

hydroplaning

"I've never really had a rain or weather related accident, but I am paranoid about hydroplaning. I have a 2022 Tesla Model Y performance that I use FSD almost exclusively in..."

Hydroplaning is when your tires hit a wet patch and can’t grip the road well, so the car starts to slide. In heavy rain, it can make steering and braking less effective.

Term

hardware three

"I have a 2022 Tesla Model Y performance that I use FSD almost exclusively in. Of course, it's got the hardware three computer and cameras, but as good as FSD is, I am really hesitant to let it be in control during heavy rain."

“Hardware three” is the Tesla computer and sensor setup the car uses for its driver-assistance features. In this call, the key point is that heavy rain can interfere with the cameras, so the driver has to take over.

Term

speed profiles

"I know that I can change the speed profiles. I typically stay in hurry. I can change it to standard or even chill, and I normally do that..."

“Speed profiles” are different driving behavior settings. They change how the car speeds up and slows down, and the caller uses them to make FSD feel less aggressive in bad weather.

Term

atmospheric rivers

"We get these atmospheric rivers on occasion. Now, what's funny is the first thing that I was going to bring up"

Atmospheric rivers are weather systems that bring a lot of moisture and can cause very heavy rain. The host is using them to explain the extreme conditions where tires and driving speed become especially important.

Term

rain channeling tire

"suggesting that he consider like the best rain channeling tire available for the for the Model Y."

A rain channeling tire is designed with tread patterns (like grooves and sipes) that help route water away from the contact patch. That reduces the risk of hydroplaning and helps maintain grip when roads are wet or flooded.

Term

OEM tires

"it turns out that the OEM tires that you probably already have on your Model Y performance are the best ones in the rain."

OEM tires are the tires that come on the car from the factory. The host is saying those stock tires are already very good in rain, so you might not need to replace them just for wet-weather driving.

Car

2018 Model 3 performance

"my experience is that our 2018 Model 3 performance with hardware three on FSD, it has done quite well in the past in those big downpours"

This is a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance. The host is describing how their car’s driver-assist system handled big rainstorms, and they emphasize going slower than usual when visibility and traction are worse.

Car

Tesla Model Y

"I am loving the full self driving. But as we move towards total autonomy, there's something that I struggle with on a daily basis and that's parking at work."

The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV from Tesla. This caller has one, and they’re using Tesla’s self-driving features day to day—especially for parking.

Term

drop a pin

"if there's not a feature or if there isn't, there should be where you can just drop a pin for your location."

“Drop a pin” means you tap a specific location on the map to mark it. The caller wants the car to use that exact marked spot for parking.

Term

nav point

"but then if you hard press the place either you want, the parking spot that you want, just choose that as a nav point and have your car navigate to it."

A “nav point” is a marked destination your car can follow to. The host says you can select your parking spot on the map and set it as the destination so the car drives there.

Term

HD2D

"But anyway, HD2D is basically, it's like taking Super Nintendo graphics, 16-bit graphics, and adding modern lighting and modern effects like depth of field to it."

HD2D is a visual style for games. It keeps the old-school pixel look, but adds modern lighting and camera effects so it looks both nostalgic and sharper.

Term

depth of field

"and adding modern lighting and modern effects like depth of field to it."

Depth of field is the “camera blur” effect. Things at one distance look sharp, while things closer or farther away get blurry.

Term

premium connectivity

"Mike from Samanich, Washington. This week, I call it, I had a question about Grock and his Tesla limiting his usage. After using it for a while and asked, well, why should this be? I have premium connectivity."

Tesla can connect to the internet through the car. “Premium connectivity” usually means you pay for a higher tier, which gives you more data/usage than the free option.

Term

LLM

"Grock is an LLM like any other LLM does have paid subscription levels and a free level."

An LLM is a kind of AI that can understand and write text—basically a chatbot brain trained on huge amounts of data. In this case, it’s the AI behind the Grock service, and access can be limited by your plan.

Term

throttle free users significantly

"The free levels always have usage limits, especially during peak times and will throttle free users significantly."

“Throttle” means the service intentionally limits you. Here, the free option gets restricted more—especially when lots of people are using it—so it may work slower or stop sooner.

Company

SpaceX

"As for why it's limited for premium connectivity subscriber, do remember SpaceX owns and Grock, not Tesla. Via the purchase of XAI, which happens to include X, PKA Twitter."

SpaceX is a company associated with Elon Musk. In this segment, it’s mentioned because the speaker says SpaceX owns Grock, which influences how the app works inside a Tesla.

Company

XAI

"Via the purchase of XAI, which happens to include X, PKA Twitter."

XAI is mentioned as a company involved in the ownership behind Grock. The point is that Grock’s limits are controlled by the Grock/AI side, not by Tesla’s connectivity plan.

Brand

Apple music

"just like you don't get free usage to Apple music in your Tesla because you have paid connectivity or serious or other services like MyQ."

Apple Music is used as an example. The speaker is saying that even if you pay for a music service, Tesla may still limit how much data or usage you get through the car’s connectivity.

Brand

MyQ

"just like you don't get free usage to Apple music in your Tesla because you have paid connectivity or serious or other services like MyQ."

MyQ is a connected-service brand (commonly used for garage access). The speaker is using it as an example that Tesla’s paid internet plan doesn’t necessarily mean unlimited use for every app.

Term

center console LED ambient light strip

"they've got fun stuff like a full-color animated center console LED ambient light strip, which is actually in the little gift they provide, looks really sweet."

This is a strip of LED lights inside the car that makes the cabin look nicer with soft colored lighting. It’s mounted along the center console area.

Term

LED premium puddle lights

"They've got the mega-bright LED premium puddle lights that say Tesla, T-E-S-L-A in the logo, the correct font, the word mark there, etc. etc."

Puddle lights are lights that shine on the ground near your feet when you open the door. This version projects the Tesla logo.

Term

snap plate plus

"The snap plate and the newer, stronger snap plate plus available for basically every modern EV at this point. They've redesigned it for the Teslas in order to accommodate the lower front bumper camera..."

This is a front license-plate holder that mounts on the car securely. It’s designed to avoid drilling and to work around the camera on the front bumper.

Term

lower front bumper camera

"They've redesigned it for the Teslas in order to accommodate the lower front bumper camera. This is a great product if you are legally required to have a front license plate..."

This is a small camera mounted low on the front bumper. It helps the car “see” the road, and the license-plate mount needs to be shaped so it doesn’t block or interfere with that camera.

Term

automotive tape

"Don't do that. Use the snap plate which does mount to the front end of your car very safely and securely but it leaves no permanent damage. If you want to take it off,"

Automotive tape refers to adhesive tape products used on cars for temporary or semi-permanent mounting. The host warns against using Tesla’s tape-based plate attachment because it can be harder to remove cleanly and may leave residue or damage.

20 cars featured

Request an Explanation

Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.

Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.

Want to learn more?

Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.

Explore Terms

Help improve this episode

See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.

Report incorrect info
Suggest better explanations
Flag missing cars

1 community members have helped improve this episode.